Please note, Seqwater has taken a very conservative approach with the EPBC referral by assessing all options for the pipeline footprint, while the final design is confirmed. In other words, the EPBC referral assesses a broader area than is likely to be part of the pipeline alignment. 

Finalisation of the pipeline route is a complex process and is subject to ongoing discussions with Toowoomba Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council, and landholders, as well as engineering and environmental considerations.

We recognise that projects can have an impact on the environment and therefore we are committed to minimising and mitigating impacts where possible and demonstrating environmental responsibility by meeting any legislative, regulatory and duty of care requirements.

Corridor alignment update

The project remains in the pre-construction phase and Seqwater is on track to confirm the finalised pipeline route in early 2024. The pipeline will run along existing road reserves and easements for most of its route for safety and efficiency reasons. Seqwater is engaging with affected property owners as details of the route are finalised.

While the pipeline route and design are still being confirmed, it is anticipated that the pipeline will be located completely underground. Once the design and route are finalised, Seqwater will share details with the community.

A copy of the latest corridor alignment map is available on our web page (scan QR code below) or if you would like a hard copy, please or email the project team and we can mail you a copy.

Procurement update

Seqwater is working towards the appointment of a suitably qualified head contractor to deliver the construction phase of the project. A market expression of interest (EOI) is underway and Seqwater recently hosted two industry briefings in early November 2023 at Toowoomba and Warwick, ahead of the planned tender release in early 2024. In selecting a head contractor, Seqwater will give weighted favour to contractors that commit to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers. The project will involve trades associated with pipeline installation, reservoir construction and pump station construction and is estimated to employ more than 400 workers during the construction phase.

Keeping you informed

Once the pipeline route has been finalised, we will share this information with the community. We will also continue to keep you updated as the project progresses.

In the meantime, to sign up to our project updates, simply email us requesting to be added to the ‘Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project update list’. If you would like more information on the project or to view the latest corridor alignment map, click on the link below or contact the project team via:

   07 3432 7000 (during business hours)

   [email protected]

   www.seqwater.com.au/project/toowoomba-warwick-pipeline

To view the referral, visit https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/project-referral-summary/?id=0dcdba60-7d4c-ee11-be6f-000d3a7948ab. Or visit https://epbcpublicportal.awe.gov.au/all-referrals/, and search for EPBC number 2023/09644.

Seqwater has taken a very conservative approach within the EPBC referral by assessing the worst-case pipeline footprint, while the final design is confirmed. In other words, the EPBC referral assesses a broader area than is likely to be affected.  Finalisation of the pipeline route is a complex process and is subject to ongoing discussions with Toowoomba Regional Council, Southern Downs Regional Council and landholders, as well as engineering and environmental considerations.

We recognise that projects can have an impact on the environment and therefore we are committed to minimising impacts where possible and demonstrate environmental responsibility by meeting any legislative, regulatory and duty of care requirements.

For more information, please contact our team via [email protected] or phone 07 3432 7000.

The Toowoomba and Warwick Pipeline briefings will introduce Seqwater and the project, provide details about the proposed delivery model, outline the approach to partnering throughout the project and possible local industry opportunities.

The details for each event are outlined below.

Toowoomba event details

• Date: Wednesday 1 November 2023
• Time: Arrival at 9.00am (AEST) to register for a 9:30am start (allowance 90 mins approx.)
• Location: Highfields Cultural Centre – Sean McCarthy Way, Highfields QLD 4352

Warwick event details

• Date: Wednesday 1 November 2023
• Time: Arrival at 2.00pm (AEST) to register for a 2:30pm start (allowance 90 mins approx.)
• Location: Warwick Town Hall – 72 Palmerin St, Warwick QLD 4370

To register for an event, please click https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/toowoomba-to-warwick-pipeline-project-briefings-2737479.Spaces may be limited and Seqwater requests a maximum of two persons per company attend each event.

Participation in the industry briefings is not a prerequisite for Expression of Interest submissions. For further procurement information, email [email protected].

What surveys are being undertaken and when?

Further surveys for the Toowoomba to Warwick raw water* pipeline are taking place between April and October 2023, and include: 

• ecological surveys                   
• contour and detail survey
• services location survey
• geotechnical investigations. 

These surveys will inform the development of the detailed design.

During this time, you can expect to see people in high visibility vests and personal protective equipment along roadsides, railways, public easements and waterways undertaking the work across the region.

* Raw water is water from rivers, streams and lakes, which is transported to a water treatment plant (WTP) for treatment, then supplied as drinking water.

Ecological surveys

The ecological surveys include flora, fauna and aquatic ecological assessments.

Contour and detail surveys

The contour and detail surveys will be undertaken by a team of two or three surveyors to capture ground level measurements and record physical features on the ground such as trees or fences. The team will undertake the surveys on foot using a GPS survey pole and total stations. 

Services location surveys

A services location survey involves a small team potholing to locate underground utilities and services, such as water, gas, and electrical lines.

Geotechnical investigations

Geotechnical investigations will be conducted to understand the type and strength of ground conditions (soil and rock). This information will assist in refining the pipeline design.

What is involved?

The investigation involves one or two bore holes to obtain geological samples which will determine the suitability of ground conditions for the pipeline, and its detailed design.  

Truck-mounted borehole drills, or excavator, and associated support vehicles will be on-site during daylight hours. 

The area at each site for investigation works is nominally 15m x 10m, but this will vary according to the site geography. The anticipated time for each investigation is up to four days, depending on access and ground conditions. 

Water used during drilling will be contained within a purpose-built tank and recirculated until the hole is completed. This prevents any spill into surrounding waterways. Safety measures will be put in place at the conclusion of daily works and the site restored at completion. 

All investigations will be conducted by a supervisor, lead driller, a drilling hand, and an engineering geologist, as required.